sa watch 2009: off to a good start in melbourne

Doubles partners Marcelo Melo and Andre Sa are vying for their first title in 2009 as the eighth seeds at the Australian Open. They’re off to a good start, taking out the local team of Brydan Klein and Matthew Ebden 6-2, 7-6 (5) in the first round.

Behind their backs are three titles from their successful 2008: Costa do Sauipe, Portschach, and New Haven immediately before the U.S. Open (where they reached the third round). The duo also made the semis in Memphis and Metz; and the quarters of Vegas, Stockholm, and the Paris Masters.